Jason Hardcastle for City Council D6

09/21/2026

Good evening neighbors,

A second September day of City Council meetings already occurred on the 17th. Originally, this was to allow for a third September day of meetings, if there was gridlock related to the FY27 budget and tax rate. Since that was determined on the 10th, the schedule was light on the 17th, and there is no need for a third day of meetings this month. This update will be far briefer than the prior one.

1. The State of Texas has decided to shift food truck inspections and healthy permitting to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Therefore, several components of the local ordinances had to be stricken or modified. These changes passed with a unanimous vote as a short term solution to be compliant with state law. However, I believe this should be taken as an opportunity to completely overhaul our local food truck ordinances as a long term solution. As I have patronized food trucks at other historical, cultural, and coastal visits, I recall manicured food truck destinations, very well maintained and regulated. I believe we need to review the zoning districts currently allowing food trucks, as it seems too broad in some cases. I also think we need to understand why there is not more of a concentrated food truck presence on the West End, where there are less dining options. I also believe there needs to be more proactive enforcement of current health codes and regulations, as photographic evidence has been provided of improper waste disposal, for instance. In my opinion, this is the perfect time to raise our food truck operational standards and requirements. The rest of city council seemed to agree, so this will be a priority for FY27.

2. Eight total items were approved unanimously that were requested by the police and fire chiefs. While not going into detail of the line item purchases, I think it is important to highlight commitments to ensuring our public safety departments have the best equipment available to them to fulfill their duties.

3. City council unanimously accepted public infrastructure associated with the Beachside Village Public Improvement District, as part of the Pirates Beach Cottages Subdivision (including utility, roadway, and drainage infrastructure), after an initial inspection. This begins a two year transition period in which the developers are responsible for maintenance. After a subsequent inspection in two years, the City of Galveston will assume responsibility for the infrastructure.

4. A letter of support was unanimously approved by city council for federal ship financing program reforms. While this is largely symbolic, it is intended to show stakeholders how we are committed to establishing Galveston as a shipbuilding priority and competing once again in the shipbuilding industry. This sector has the most promise for our community’s economic development and truly has the opportunity to elevate Galveston globally. It must be embraced.

5. I abstained from one vote, and that was the approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Galveston and the Rosenberg Library. I abstained because I am also on the board of the Rosenberg Library and want to avoid any appearance of favoring one entity over the other.

6. Appointments were considered to the Airport Advisory Committee, Arts Development Committee, Building Board of Adjustments and Appeals, Civilian Review Board, Ethics Commission, Finance, Fiscal Affairs and Investment Committee, Galveston Housing Finance Corporation, Galveston Wharves Board, Landmark Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Police Pension Fund, Planning Commission, Sister Cities Program Committee, Tree Committee, and Zoning Board of Adjustments. Most vacancies were filled. All appointments that were considered were approved unanimously by city council. I appreciate the volunteers willing to donate their time. That is a lot of committees.

The brevity this time is the result of a much lighter agenda. I promised all updates would not be as long as the last one, so promises kept. Thank you all again for taking the time to read my update.

Your friend,

Jason Hardcastle

09/16/2026

Good evening neighbors,

With so many events over the last three weeks, this update will combine results from the 8/27 and 9/10 meetings. As Tropical Storm Edouard made landfall to our east in late August, I am relieved to have not received any issues or problems on Galveston Island. I hope that perception was reality. I will now provide an update from our prior two City Council meetings.

1. We are moving forward with a local search firm to hire a new City Attorney. The timeline and process have a goal to hire the new City Attorney (who reports directly to City Council) by the end of the year. My request was to have a process that was independent of the current CIty legal department because I want candidates (including internal candidates) to objectively assess the department. For instance, if a candidate believes the legal department needs a complete overhaul, I want the candidate to feel the independence to make that recommendation. If there is an internal candidate, I would like for that candidate be able to speak about it openly and candidly with our consultant.

2. Speaking of those positions who report directly to City Council, the City Auditor presented his plan to us. It passed unanimously. I would like to see audits that typically lead to revenue prioritized first, which are typically Hotel Occupancy Tax and Sales Tax audits. Second, I would like to see the ongoing audits at the Park Board and Port completed; it makes sense to see those through to completion. Lastly, I prefer to see audits from this point forward to focus internally on City Hall’s operations. This should help us create internal efficiencies and improve internal processes.

3. Our Police Chief presented background information and data related to Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR). There are 34 Flock cameras and one drone. To summarize, the technology is used as a component of investigations, not the sole source. The equipment has proven to assist in many investigations, across a broad spectrum of offenses. The equipment is limited to official law enforcement business only by trained and authorized users within the police department. ALPR responses may only be treated as a lead, and data is kept for no more than 30 days, unless used as evidence, which can be stored longer. As someone who is naturally skeptical of government surveillance, I was satisfied with the processes our police chief presented. I am sure it is not perfect and will need to be modified over time, but this seems like a solid effort and start.

4. I am grateful for feedback received from the unsuccessful Stewart Beach RFP attempt, in which no official proposals were submitted. City council has tasked the Park Board CEO to collaborate with the City Manager to incorporate this feedback from two highly reputable real estate firms to produce a better RFP. City Council seems determined to capitalize on Stewart Beach, which is a good thing. Hopefully we eventually get a result the community will be proud of.

5. There was great news delivered regarding Seawall/3005 upgrades. First, I am pleased to report TXDoT officially recognizes a need to expand 3005 from Galveston Island State Park westward. This is the result of countless conversations with our critical partners at TXDoT. Additional conversations will also be required to continue to continue to prioritize this project higher. I am very grateful to TXDoT for their willingness to have these discussions. In the very near future, the palm trees at the end of the seawall will be removed soon and replaced with a more suitable design. Again, I appreciate TXDoT’s willingness to collaborate. Additionally, Seawall Boulevard will soon undergo a major resurfacing project, including leveling sidewalks, creating more midblock crossings, removing choke points, and slotting targeted curbs in high pedestrian areas. As it relates to electric vehicles, policies from regional, statewide, and coastal municipalities will be considered for implementation here.

6. An update was provided on the potential for a Galveston Tourism Protection District, a combined effort by the City Of Galveston and Galveston Park Board of Trustees. COG’s legal team is working closely with the Park Board’s legal team to bring for final consideration for City Council. A similar concept has been implemented in Addison, Arlington, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Denton, Fort Worth, New Braunfels, San Antonio, and Waco. Primarily, the purpose is to collect an assessment from eligible hotels based on numbers of rooms, to set aside for business development, particularly as it relates to conferences and large groups, which tend to book during weekdays and throughout the year. I look forward to seeing the final details for consideration.

7. The FY27 budget was passed by a slim 4-3 margin, which included my dissenting opposition. While I am pleased the focus has been on a no new revenue budget, as stated in prior updates, I prefer decreasing our reserves from a target of 120 days from prior leadership, to 110 days, still 20 days more than what is mandated by voters in the charter. This would allow a decrease in the tax rate of 1%, which could be passed on directly to the property tax payers.

8. Combing through the line item budget, of particular interest to me, the budget includes: improvements to Stewart Road between 7 1/2 Mile Rd and 3005; bridge improvements throughout the West End and also the Jones Rd bridge; drainage improvements at Karankawa Beach and Gulf Palms, specifically at Glia St; corrosion repairs at the 10 Mile Rd Elevated Storage Tank; water pressure improvement repairs at the Isla Del Sol Pump Station; assessments of the viability of the Terramar and Airport Wastewater Treatment Plants’ capacities.

9. Speaking of the airport, I would have liked to have seen funding dedication to more substantial Customs and Border Patrol presence for a higher capacity of general aviation clearance. I believe there is a potential to increase our marketshare of international general aviation due to potential competitive advantages, starting with our ideal location. Soon we will better understand our true commercial flight viability, but I also want to see us capitalize on our international general aviation viability as well.

10. Within COG’s FY27 budget, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) budget was also passed. As a member of IDC, I can report it barely passed out of the board to city council, due to a combination of the timing, only having a quorum present, and many unanswered questions from the members present. This board did not meet between October 2025 and June 2026. Therefore, in my opinion, further justification is needed to add an economic development staff member, continue the Concrete Work Crew, understand better what the expectations are for the Parks Work Crew, and if we need a full time Beach Erosion and Remediation Crew.

11. Lastly as it pertains to the FY27 budget, the report’s commentary had one issue I asked to remove from future reports. I do not think it is an accurate representation to compare COG’s administrative overhead to external agencies’ administrative overheads. This leads to unnecessary fingerpointing and divisiveness with critical external partners who we must collaborate with. Also, it is not always a fair comparison because governmental agencies may have differing opinions of what they define as administrative overhead. Our number should stand on its own without throwing rocks at others.

12. Two Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) were both unanimously approved. The first one was for golf cart sales and repair at a Broadway location. The business owner agreed to conduct all business indoors or within a fence at the back of the property. A PUD was required because of a prohibition of golf cart sales within a 200 foot radius of residential houses. No one in the residential houses objected. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended it. Yet, the recommendation was to deny it due to the residences in proximity within 200 feet. To me, this is an example of too many rules. The other PUD was for an event center on Stewart where a gathering place has always existed. Despite this, the property was hastily designated as a R-1 property, one of the most restrictive residential zonings available. This is yet another example of incorrect zoning, usually R-1s, that must be addressed. In both cases, I asked for low profile signage with up lighting. In my mind, these are classier signs more appropriate for historical coastal cities. However, even though it is my preference, I chose not to make it a requirement for the PUDs, as I do not believe my preference should have been forced as a policy and interfered with commerce at this point. I believe signage requirements should be something city council addresses in the upcoming workshops.

13. A purchase of seven trucks from Buy Board was approved unanimously. Buy Board is a membership service intended to find the best deals for equipment purchases. My request, based in experiences relayed to me from other municipalities, was to also seek competitive quotes from local vendors for equipment purchases when possible. It could lead to a better deal and/or negotiating power.

14. $900,000 of improvements were approved unanimously at Shield Park. This funding comes from the IDC for both environmental remediation and renovation. Vision Galveston partnered with COG on this effort, and I appreciate their cooperation. I hope this leads to future cooperation on our other parks in the future.

15. $48,500 was approved unanimously for an ISO Public Protection Classification. This is also funded by IDC. In theory, this classification can lead to better fire deterrent/prevention ratings, which could theoretically lead to lower insurance rates for businesses. I support this effort, so I voted for it at City Council. However, I voted against it at IDC because this does not seem like proper use of IDC funds to me (economic development/infrastructure/beaches/parks). I stated my preference to use alternative funding in the future at IDC but did not want to hold it up at city council.

16. City council unanimously approved directing more funds to the South Shore Pump Station project, but first I asked for clarity on the timeline and allocations, as the report was unclear to me. After a sequence of questions, we were able to understand better.

A. The City originally committed $1.5mm in local funds, for both Temporary Construction Easements (TCEs) and construction.

B. On March 27, 2025, City Council authorized an additional $60,903 of local funds to obtain additions TCEs because the original $1.5mm was already committed.

C. The City obtained six of the seven TCEs for $20,610.

D. $40,320 remained for the acquisition of the final TCE.

E. On November 7, 2025, in executive session, City Council authorized the City Manager to spend a maximum of $100k in order to acquire the last TCE, as the remaining $40,320 was not enough to acquire the last TCE.

F. The last TCE was negotiated to an increased cost of $59,680 above the remaining $40,320 ($100k total).

G. On July 9, 2026, the City authorized an emergency payment totaling $100k for the remaining TCE.

L. Separately, an additional $95,218 was requested for additional construction, also from local funds.

M. Therefore, a total of $154,898 was requested by the City ($59,680 TCE funds + $95,218 construction funds = $154,898 total local funds).

This is a vital project that must hit deadlines by the end of January 2027, so City Council, again, unanimously approved this funding request. However, with so much interest, including from external stakeholders partners, I believed it was important to fully understand what we were approving.

17. At this point in time, every successful organization on the globe, private or public, is incorporating AI as a tool to maximize efficiencies. In my opinion, it is as essential as the internet. Whenever there is an adaptation of new technology, policies must be developed. The AI policy proposed by city staff was unanimously approved, with a change that I suggested. If employees must be trained and approved for use, and AI use must be documented, I did not think it was necessary for approved employees to seek approval from an immediate supervisor any time it is utilized. That seemed like an unnecessary inefficiency that is trying to create efficiencies.

18. The No New Revenue Tax Rate was passed 5-2. I remained in opposition for previous reasons stated. Without further belaboring my perspective, I will summarize by just restating what was reported in the Daily News:

“I have been very consistent in my disagreements with the internal cash reserve policy since budget and tax rate discussions began. Rather than holding taxpayer cash in a city account in reserves, I prefer to allow the taxpayers to keep their own funds in their own accounts, in the form of a tax rate cut. Based on conversations with residents, there is a lot of skepticism among Galveston taxpayers about how their taxes are being managed. There is further value in a tax rate reduction by indicating we recognize their concerns.”

Thank you all for your patience, waiting for this update, and perseverance, reading through so many of my thoughts. We have another full day of city council meetings tomorrow! I will try to be quicker with that subsequent update. Some very important groundwork is being laid at the end of FY26, and I am looking forward to executing these initiatives in FY27. I am excited to be a part of so many critical decisions on the horizon.

Your friend,

Jason Hardcastle

08/31/2026

Good afternoon neighbors,

Tropical Depression Five has formed in the gulf and projected to move in this direction. It is my understanding rainfall is the primary concern. Hard to believe this is the third time, in a relatively inactive hurricane season so far, that we are potentially seeing effects from a tropical cyclone. Continuing the tradition, I’m happy to share what precautions we are personally taking, which are none currently. After reading this to be a relatively compact storm, the effects on the East End may be far different than effects on the West End.

Your friend,

Jason Hardcastle

The City of Galveston, continues to potential tropical cyclone #5 as it moves westward along the northern Gulf. Overnight and into tomorrow, the City may experience periods of heavy rainfall. As always, stay prepared and weather aware.

US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas
NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center
Texas Division of Emergency Management

08/25/2026

Good evening neighbors,

Once again, we are between semimonthly city council meetings, with the last one on 8/13 and the next in on 8/27. In between, I have also attended the Houston-Galveston Area Council board meeting (8/18) and the City Of Galveston Finance, Fiscal Affairs, and Investments committee meeting (8/24). There are many high priority items being addressed right now to close out this fiscal year and prepare for the next one. Additionally, there are countless discussions occurring with valuable external stakeholders, as the interest for major capital investment and critical resource allocations (very beneficial to taxpayers, ideally and hopefully) continues to grow. I am still trying to determine the best way to disseminate information and will make adjustments. Here is the summary from our 8/13 meeting (It is again so tedious, so bear with me, please; I will try to make this as palatable as possible, because it is supremely important.)

1. The subject of our FY27 budget proposal, tax rate, and capital improvements dominated the meeting. I am happy to report the tax rate discussion continues to focus on no new revenue as a ceiling, and city staff has developed a budget for this tax rate. The certified appraisal role was received from Galveston County on July 17th. There has been a drop in total taxable property values between FY26 and FY27. Therefore, the no new revenue rate is actually a tax rate hike year over year.

2. But, that does not necessarily we are looking at a tax increase. From a personal perspective, my appraisal value decreased year over year. Therefore, even with a higher rate, I would receive a tax cut. I have no idea if this is common or an aberration, so I have requested an assessment for how many taxpayer properties’ appraisals decreased and how many increased, and city staff agreed to provide that additional information. In my mind, the property tax system is flawed, and there is no way to know appraisals and rates will affect each taxpayer, and my situation demonstrates the flaws in the system. If the property tax values are lower and the rate is lower, I feel more confident tax cuts are being delivered to the taxpayers of Galveston, however.

3. One aspect that caught me eyes are the emergency funds the City Of Galveston on hand, which of course are primarily for hurricanes. The voters of Galveston in the past have mandated a 90-day reserve in the city charter. Comparatively speaking based on basic research, that seems higher than most municipalities. However, it was the will of the voters at one time, so it is indeed the floor unless voters change their minds.

4. In addition to the mandated 90-day reserve policy, there has been an additional policy by prior leadership to keep an additional 30-day reserve policy, for a total of 120-days. In my mind, this seems excessive. I realize there is an annual risk of a hurricane, but these are still outlier events. Repeating my prior city council term, I am opposed to developing policies based on outliers. Therefore, I requested to see adjusted tax rates based on 110-day, 105-day, and 100-day reserves. I do not think we need to necessarily spend down reserves. However, I believe there may be a reserve number that better balances taxpayer funds and emergency response. There may be a better reserve number that allows taxpayers to keep their own cash in a bank account rather than the City holding taxpayer cash in City bank accounts. There may be a better reserve number that allows taxpayers to spend more during the many years between hurricanes which could lead to greater sales tax revenue.

5. To the surprise of no one, health insurance costs are projected to increase 10% year over year. The City self insures, which may very well be the best way to do it. However, always the stubborn skeptic, I asked when the last time the potential plan was submitted for a public bid. While it is too late for FY27, perhaps that is something we can revisit for FY28. There also could be some cost reduction for the City’s general fund if we switch from a dollar amount for participants to a percentage. I also requested that research, but again, this is more interest for FY28 than FY27.

6. Two very specific projects I am pleased to report are budgeted for FY27 are the Lampasas Drive Bulkhead and Bridge Repair Maintenance, which will primarily benefit the Jones Drive bridge. Most city owned bridges are in District 6, so I am pleased to see this maintenance.

7. Unfortunately, the revenue generating parks (Dellanera Park, Lasker Pool, and Seawolf Park) are projected to combine to operate with deficit revenues. I requested an individual breakdown of those three parks to understand the situation better.

8. For FY26, Hotel Occupancy Tax is trending up. Realizing this tax revenue is highly restricted, I continue to believe we can find ways to use it that benefits the entire community. Once we identify those opportunities, perhaps then we will be more credible if/when we ask state legislature to expand its use. In some areas, we seem to be creative in its allocation. In other areas, it is a very strict interpretation. I would like to see more consistent interpretation.

9. Lastly, the in person interviews for Wharves Board and Planning Commission will not be necessary, as they were voted to discontinue, 5-2. I do not want to belabor a previous post, but my sentiments had not changed since the overall decision to keep the Park Board interviews, against my objection. No one is being more transparent than I am, when I confidently claim they are not a good use of anyone’s time, most importantly, the applicants. The thorough applications and selection processes are public. City council is still available to meet individually. If three or less city council want to meet with applicants as a group, they can still do that. I honestly do not feel qualified to publicly interview many of the applicants, who are either reapplying for a board position they know far more about than I, or are professionally niche oriented for the position they are seeking. I believe much more is learned about applicants in more personable settings. If I am wrong, we can always change it back for future application processes.

Congratulations again for making it to the end of another update primarily about the budget. Three more to go! I will try my best to not be repetitive, as I am waiting to expand on some budget line items until we get closer to final approval and details are understood better.

Your friend,

Jason Hardcastle

08/11/2026

Good afternoon neighbors,

Since our last city council meeting on 7/23, I’ve been out of town, catching up at the office, and preparing my kids to return to school. We have another meeting this week, so expect more frequent updates than usual for August and September.

1. The COG legislative agenda was introduced. I really only had broad requests to consider. After campaigning on harvesting better relationships with our critical external partners, especially those above us in authority, I asked to tread lightly on any items seen as in opposition to Austin’s priorities. Additionally, there can be no problems we present for Galveston without proposed specific solutions. I also suggested we may need to spend more time in Austin, specifically in between sessions. In my experience, relationships prove to be more valuable than policy debates and arguments. With better relationships, I am convinced some policy and operational conflicts can be avoided.

2. We received our first official city council FY27 budget presentation. It was a good start, as the no new revenue rate, which I support as a ceiling, was the primary focus on our discussion. I look forward to seeing the firmer property tax roll on Thursday.

3. The City’s Annual Pavement Evaluation Report was provided. My bottom line interpretation is improvements have been made, and we rely heavily on data driven analysis to determine mobilization. However, I also have concerns. First, I do not know how we will ever catch up without outsourcing more. Second, outlier events (such as storm and subsequent erosion) may not be appropriately considered by software analytics, and a lack of mobilization early could create much more expensive projects over time. I believe these two additional considerations could improve the program.

4. An update was provided on the South Shore Drainage Project. I believe both Mayor Listowski and Councilman Porretto are working closely with the District 4 residents, City Administration, and the Texas General Land Office to reach the best possible result by the deadline at the end of January 2027. I continuously formulate my detailed opinions on this experience. I am sure my opinions will fluctuate as time moves forward, too. Right now, however, I am focused on supporting the project’s success for a variety of reasons, as there is more capital and partnerships on the cusp than there may have ever been before, no hyperbole.

5. Since Beach Access 17 has been identified to be completely on Galveston Island State Park property, the state park will assume control. I am always pleased when jurisdictional ambiguities are cleared up. This was approved unanimously.

6. The only vote that had any dissent was an ordinance change allowing the booting of repeat parking violators. In my experience, as someone who parks downtown nearly daily, I am very well aware of the rules and the availability. Sometimes I park a block and a half away from my office with no fees or time limits. Sometimes I park in two hour parking a half block away from my office. Sometimes I pay to park directly in front of my office. It all basically depends on the weather and my schedule. At times I have innocently forgotten to extend my parking or move my truck. However, there have also been three times or more I have been ticketed even though I was compliant. When this inconsistent/inaccurate enforcement leads to a $30 fine (including days when the courthouse is closed and no one picks up the phone when you immediately call to protest), that may just be seen as a loss or cost of doing business expense. However, if it could result in incapacitating my vehicle, losing my mobility, and making me late to an obligation, that is a completely different matter. Until our parking enforcement is improved, I cannot support this. Additionally, this will likely only be punitive to residents, as most tourists are unlikely to be ticketed three or more times. Overall, I would prefer to see many our marshals focus on other things. I voted against this ordinance, but it passed, 6-1.

7. The City Auditor reviewed the properties on the island that the City’s Parks Department maintains. This includes properties owned by the City, as well as properties not owned by the City. I found it very interesting. I do not know what the solution is yet but am concerned, overall, we are once again stretched too thin. I think this will be an ongoing topic. In the meantime, the report was accepted 7-0, so there is that.

8. A gift was accepted from Project Rosenberg for landscaping at the “Dr. Nancy Lefeber Hughes Community Green Space.” On behalf of City Council, we are grateful for this gift. The gift was accepted with a unanimous vote, but perhaps the greater value was naming the park after Dr. Nancy Hughes. I am very happy for the Hughes family and the countless friends of Dr. Hughes, as well as the incredible list of patients she impacted. (I questioned why it could not just be a “Park” instead of a “Community Green Space,” but that was the only part of the name I questioned, never the “Dr. Nancy Lefeber Hughes” part.)

9. A grant of $2,000,000 was unanimously accepted from the EPA for the necessary cleanup at Shield Park, essential for its proper redevelopment. Thank you to Vision Galveston for all the help as collaborators to ensure this work continues without further delays.

10. City Council approved a new Fund Balance Policy unanimously. This will primarily affect the Central Services Fund and Central Garage Fund. Essentially, these reserve policies will be changed from a flat dollar amount over a five year period to a percentage of the cost of operations. I think this is a good change.

11. An actuarial contract was approved unanimously to continue an assessment of our long term pension obligation viability. Of all the tedious agenda items, this one may be at the top of the list. However, pensions are extraordinarily expensive for taxpayers, so much so that pension responsibilities are rare for city’s the size of Galveston. I think it is money well spent to fully understand what our options are as it relates to our pension obligations. This contract is to assess the civilian pension’s current obligations into the future. Without an actuarial assessment, it is mostly guesswork.

12. City Council unanimously approved a search firm to fill our City Attorney position. This is only one of four positions at City Hall who reports directly to City Council. I am very interested in seeing the results of this executive search. There is also an option to expand the contract to include a search for a City Engineer. I hate to be redundant, but I remain a fan of outsourcing, particularly for executive positions.

13. A building permit was requested by AT&T to replace existing cellular equipment on the Isla Del Sol elevated storage tank. I appreciate AT&T’s consideration and investment in the West End’s communications utilities and hope it leads to noticeable improvement. This was approved unanimously.

14. I am very grateful for the Cultural Arts Department’s efforts to secure a grant from the Houston Endowment. It is monumental, no pun intended, to receive a grant from a world renowned organization. It will help the department officially inventory the monuments and cultural assets within city limits, and then develop a plan to properly and viably maintain the many monuments and cultural assets. Regardless of how and when these gifts and donations arrived, I believe we owe it to our Galvestonian forefathers to maintain the intended legacies. This grant was accepted unanimously.

15. On a related note, a line item in proposed expenses was unanimously approved to develop the complete restoration costs of the Kempner Fountain, which will ultimately be funded by the Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund. I am supportive of all efforts to establish Kempner Park as a premiere historical and cultural urban park destination for both residents and visitors. It reminds me of Savannah’s parks and squares. I believe it needs additional attention as well, but renovating the fountain is a great start.

I will always post these updates eventually, because I want them to be thoughtful and thorough. Our next meeting is 8/13, then again 8/27.

Your friend,

Jason Hardcastle